5 spices that pair well with chicken

Of all the ingredients you can use to flavour chicken, the question of which spices go best with it is one that comes up often. Chicken is versatile in any cuisine and it is understandable to have difficulty finding the perfect spices that would make your chicken stand out. 

The truth is that there are many different ways to flavour chicken, and each of them works well in its unique way. But if you're looking for a good starting point, here are some of the best spices that pair well with chicken:

1: Black Pepper and Garlic

The best way to cook chicken is to use a combination of black pepper and garlic. These two spices go hand-in-hand when cooking chicken, so it makes sense that they would work together when pairing them with other ingredients as well.

Black pepper is the perfect choice for chicken because it helps to bring out the flavour of all of the other spices in your dish. It also helps to add a little bit of heat to your meal, which is great for those who like spicy foods.

Garlic is great for chicken because it adds flavour without being overpowering or too salty like some other spices tend to be when paired with this type of meat. Garlic also has some anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain. If you love spicy chicken, then you need the perfect spice blend to go with it.

2: Lemon, Rosemary, and Mustard

Lemon is an excellent choice for chicken because it helps tenderize the meat and adds a lovely flavour. It also pairs well with rosemary, sage, thyme, and mustard.

Rosemary is a delicate herb that's great for flavouring chicken. It has a refreshing flavour and gives a sweetness that pairs well with lemon as well as other flavours like garlic and onion. It also comes with many health benefits and nutrients like iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium. 

In addition, mustard is commonly used in cooking because it enhances the flavour of other ingredients while adding a little kick to whatever dish you're making. Try pairing mustard with rosemary or thyme to get the best results.

This delicate spice can be paired with any beef dish. It gives an interesting sweet and refreshing flavour, making a hearty meat dish brighter and delicious. 

3: Coriander and Cumin Spices

Coriander and cumin are two spices that work particularly well with chicken. Coriander is an aromatic spice that has a citrusy, fruity flavour that gives the chicken a bright citrusy sweetness, while cumin can be described as earthy and nutty which is common in Mexican dishes. Coriander pairs well with chicken because it helps cut through the fatty flavours of the meat. Cumin's earthy and nutty notes are also typically found in Indian cuisine and go very well with chicken.

4: Thyme, Oregano, and Tomato

Thyme is the ideal herb for chicken dishes. It has a strong flavour that pairs well with nearly any cut of chicken, from breasts to thighs to drumsticks. The flavour profile of thyme balances well with the more intense flavours of other meats like pork or beef, but it also stands up to bolder vegetables like corn or tomatoes.

Oregano has a very similar flavour profile as thyme—it's slightly bitter but not overpowering—so they pair well together in recipes where you want a little bit of spice but not too much intensity. You can also use oregano alone if you're looking for something lighter than thyme's stronger taste profile.

Finally, tomato is another great pairing option for chicken because its sweet/sour taste complements both white and dark meat equally well. The acidity level in tomatoes helps cuts like drumsticks retain their juiciness longer.

5: Paprika, and Chili Powder

Paprika is also a good choice for chicken, as it will give your dish a nice red colour and add some smoky notes to the flavour.

Chilli powder is another great option for pairing with chicken, as it adds a bit of heat that will enhance your meal.

These common spices and herbs are a perfect blend that will pair well with chicken and also elevate whatever dish you're preparing with the chicken. Settled on the spices and herbs you’ll be using? First head over to niyis.co.uk and shop for fresh, spices, herbs, and frozen chicken. Niyis African grocery store offers a good selection of aromatic seasonings and fresh frozen chicken.